---
title: "democratization of international relations — Definition"
description: "Democratization of international relations means global affairs should be governed equally by all states, not just a few powers. Key for policy researchers."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/democratization-of-international-relations"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Democratization of international relations is the principle that global affairs should be governed by all states equally rather than dominated by a few great powers or hegemonic blocs.
- How does democratization of international relations differ from democratization within a state?
- Which principles underpin the concept in Chinese foreign policy?
- What institutions does the concept seek to reform or promote?
- What is the main critique of the doctrine?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Democratization of international relations is the principle that global affairs should be governed by all states equally rather than dominated by a few great powers or hegemonic blocs.

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At the 2023 Boao Forum, Chinese leaders invoked the "democratization of international relations" to oppose what they called Western bloc politics and to argue for greater Global South representation in UN and IMF decision-making.

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